Brady Perry plays football, basketball and baseball but where he really excels is on the track.
Now he’s gearing up for trip of a lifetime.
He has flown past the competition all his life. He’s about to face his greatest athletic test.
Brady is deaf and he’s set to represent the United States at the 23rd Deaflympics, which begin July 18 in Samsun, Turkey.
“There’s going to be incredible competition there. I’m a high school student. I’ve been against high school students all these years. I’m going to be against adults,” said the 17-year-old. “I think it’s such an honor to represent the United States and represent the deaf community as well.”
Brady, who attends Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, will run the 400 meter individual, the 4x100 relay and the 4x400 relay later this month. Just like everything else he does, he’s aiming for the top prize.
“Everybody there, every olympian wants to medal, of course,” said Brady. “A gold medal, that would be nice. But the important thing is that I do well. If I get a medal, that would be a nice bonus.”
In order for Brady to travel to the games his community, friends and family helped raise $4,500 for his trip.
“Here the Frederick Community, my school, a lot of people have really believed in me and are really supporting me and are looking up to me,” added Brady. “So, all these people I feel a high level of responsibility to them.”
Next up for Brady, he’ll head to Austin, Texas to meet the rest of Team USA Track and Field. They will train there for a week before heading to Turkey.
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